9 Healthy Gourmet Sandwich Recipes

Tuna salad, PB&J, ham and cheese… Packing a healthy sandwich that’s also exciting to eat isn’t always easy. It’s not rocket science (we know, peanut butter and jelly is just easy), but the minute you add mashed avocado, fresh sliced veggies or homemade condiments to a sandwich, lunch can get infinitely more appealing. Read on for fresh ideas to get imaginative between the slices this fall.

3. Michigan Cherry Chicken SaladThis sweet and savory chicken salad combines pecans, celery and dried cherries with fat-free Greek yogurt. The result: a lighter (but just as flavorful) sandwich. Pro tip: If you’re packing this lunch in the morning to eat later in the day, line the slices of bread with mixed greens to keep them from getting soggy. Photo and Recipe: Jessica / The Novice Chef

4. Roasted Beet SandwichBeets, the most naturally sweet vegetable, are the star of this relatively simple sandwich. But instead of pairing them with goat cheese (a common coupling), an easy, homemade white bean spread stands in as the smooth and creamy spread. Sophisticated yet oh-so-simple! Photo and Recipe: Sara / Matchbox Kitchen

7. Healthier Elvis SandwichBeyond his soulful and devilishly good looks, Elvis Presley was known for his love of the peanut butter and banana sandwich (often with bacon). This version gets a healthier makeover with all-natural, no-sugar-added peanut butter, olive oil and two slices of multi-grain or whole-wheat bread. But of course, it wouldn’t be an all-star sandwich without the bacon and bananas. We “can’t help falling in love.” Photo and Recipe: Michelle Hershman / Healthy Recipe Ecstasy

8. Blueberry Pie PaniniBefore you question this mock dessert’s place on a sandwich list, hear us out. This fruit-filled Panini is sweet, healthier than a traditional slice of pie, and calls for only three ingredients (win!). A little vanilla yogurt stands in as a condiment, while the Vitamin-C rich blueberries take center stage. Photo and Recipe: Amy / Foods For The Soul